Gas sampling apparatus

ABSTRACT

The object of this invention is to provide a gas sampling system capable of taking discreet samples from a continuous flow of gas or fluid. Said apparatus offers a frame ( 1 ) and mounting components in the form of a fixed chuck ( 4 ) and a spring-loaded chuck with a sample container ( 5 ) mounted there between. The sampling container has self-sealing end cap valve assemblies ( 76 ) that automatically open when the sample container ( 5 ) communicates with the fixed chuck ( 4 ) and the spring loaded chuck ( 6 ) and the end cap valve assembly automatically closes when the sample container is removed. A value system allows the gas flow to be directed from one sample container to the other alternatively opening and closing a gas flow path. A sample extraction assembly ( 14 ) allows the efficient removal of samples from the sample containers. An extension rod pressurizer ( 117 ) in conjunction with the end cap value assembly, such as first end cap valve assembly ( 76 ) allow the sample to be pressurized to facilitate easy sample removal.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of previously filed InternationalApplication PCT/US01/08652 which claims the benefit of previously filedU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/197,181.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable.

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This apparatus relates to the collection, transportation and analysis ofgas samples which may be required in various scientific, environmentaland resource contexts.

2. Background of the Invention

The oil and gas industry provides a suggested context in which toexamine the need for collection, transportation and analysis of gassamples. In oil and natural gas exploration, drilling, recovery andstorage, periodic sampling of recovered gases and fluid are required forsubsequent analysis. In the oil industry, “mud” is a colloquial term fora thick chemical composition that is pumped into drills as theypenetrate the substrate. This “mud” is returned to the surface andcontains gases that are released from the rock as the drill penetrates.Significant data is acquired from the analysis of these gases. In thecontext of natural gas storage, large underground storage deposits areoften chemically tagged for later identification. This apparatusfacilitates the recovery of samples from these storage deposits fortesting and identification of the chemical tag.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,330 to Spencer provided for a sample extractionsystem with a sampling container and valves. Such a sampling systemrequires the interruption of the fluid flow as sampling containers areexchanged. Further, extraction of the sample from the sampling containerwas accomplished by “bleeding” the cylinder, a technique which relies ongravity and is suitable for fluids in a liquid rather than a gaseousstate. Currently used in the industry are gas sample bags, which havethe obvious problems of fragility, occupying a significant volume whenbeing shipped and the inability to contain gas or fluid under anysignificant pressure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Objects and Advantages

The present invention provides a gas sampling apparatus in whichcontinuous or periodic gas samples may be isolated in gas samplingcontainers. The gas sampling container associated with this apparatuscontains self-sealing valves on either end which open when the samplecontainer is positioned in the apparatus and automatically closes whenthe sampling container is removed from the apparatus. In oneconfiguration, the apparatus has two gas sampling tubes mounted and thegas flow which is to be sampled is directed into and out of one gassampling container and then, by operating a valve system, the flow to besampled can then be directed through a second sample container. Uponremoval from the apparatus, the first sample container self-seals andmay be transported. An empty container can then take its place. When thevalve system again is actuated, the gas flow is re-directed from onesample container to the other. In this way, continuous sampling of a gasflow may be achieved. Further, mechanisms are provided that facilitatethe pressurization and removal of gas samples from the samplecontainers.

This gas sampling apparatus can also find use in any industry in whichthe continuous sampling of flows of gases or fluids are required.Further, the assembly also has applicability in any industry in whichgas samples need to be transported in either a pressurized orunpressurized state and later need to be easily removed for testing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the major components of theapparatus.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional diagram of the flow of gas or fluid throughthe left half of the system.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the gas flow through the right halfof the system.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the sample extraction assembly.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a self-sealing chuck.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a fixed chuck.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the top of the fixed chuck.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the sampling container.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sample container ends.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the spring-loaded chuck with thesample container seated therein.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the plunger-activated valve.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of asample container.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of an extension rod pressurizer.

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the first end cap valve body.

FIG. 16 is a view of an alternative mechanism assuaging the ends of thesampling container.

COMPONENT LISTING

-   frame 1-   first three-way valve 2-   first fixed chuck 4-   first sample container 5-   first spring-loaded chuck 6-   first flexible connector 7-   first flexible connector fitting 7A-   second flexible connector 7B-   second flexible connector fitting 7C-   third flexible connector 7D-   third flexible connector fitting 7E-   second three-way valve 8-   valve control rod 9-   first control rod end 9A-   second control rod end 9B-   control handle 9C-   fourth flexible connector fitting 10-   fourth flexible connector 10A-   second spring loaded chuck 11-   second sample container 12-   second fixed chuck 13-   sample extraction assembly 14-   coupler 15-   coupler body 15A-   central longitudinal bore 15B-   first body end 16-   second body end 17-   central bore 18-   small diameter segment 19-   first larger diameter segment 20-   first lip 21-   first largest diameter segment 22-   second lip 23-   second larger diameter segment 24-   third lip 25-   annular bushing 26-   central bore 26A-   bushing retaining cap 27-   first seal 28-   second seal 29-   sample release device 30-   stem 31-   first stem end 32-   second stem end 33-   septum 34-   septum seat 35-   spring 35A-   septum retaining cap 36-   central conical aperture 36A-   stem retaining screw 37-   stem retaining screw central bore 37A-   threaded portion 38-   cap portion 39-   longitudinal planer segment 40-   first planer segment end 41-   second planer segment end 42-   first panel 43-   first panel first aperture 44A-   first panel second aperture 44B-   first panel third aperture 44C-   second panel 45-   second panel first aperture 46A-   second panel second aperture 46B-   second panel third aperture 46C-   first valve inlet 47-   first valve left outlet 48-   first valve right outlet 49-   first valve flow director 50-   passage 51-   first passage end 52-   second passage end 53-   second valve outlet 54-   second valve left inlet 55-   second valve right inlet 56-   second valve flow directing means 57-   conduit 58-   first conduit end 59-   second conduit end 60-   annular body 61-   internally threaded end 62-   externally threaded end 63-   first central bore section 64-   second central bore section 64A-   central bore 65-   seat 66-   plunger depressor 67-   first finger member 68-   first transverse member 69-   air passage aperture 70-   first flexible washer 71-   first flexible washer central bore 71A-   first annular chamber 72-   second annular chamber end 73-   first annular chamber end 74-   first end cap 75-   first end cap central bore 75A-   first self sealing valve 76-   second self sealing valve 76A-   first end cap valve body 77-   transverse base 78-   annular section 79-   first annular section end 80-   internal threads 80A-   external threads 80B-   second externally threaded annular section end 81-   central bore valve seat section 82-   second end cap 83-   first plunger-activated valve 86-   valve body 86A-   plunger 87-   plunger gasket 88-   spring 89-   central cavity 90-   first plunger valve body end 91-   central bore 92-   first valve body aperture 93A-   second valve body aperture 93B-   second plunger valve body end 94-   central bore 95-   first plunger rod support 96-   interior surface 96A-   central bore 97-   first plunger rod support aperture 98A-   second plunger rod support aperture 98B-   second plunger rod support 99-   central bore 100-   second plunger rod support first aperture 101A-   second plunger rod support second aperture 101B-   annular space 102-   first plunger end 103-   cap 103A-   second plunger end 104-   cap 104A-   conical plunger valve body segment 105-   first swaged edge 106-   first opposite notch 107A-   second opposite notch 107B-   end cap exterior 108-   first annular chamber end central aperture 109A-   first end cap central aperture 109-   valve body central bore 110-   annular rubber ring 111-   washer 112-   nut 113-   cap retaining nut 113A-   plunger valve body gasket 114-   spring stop 115-   a first plunger depressor retaining cap 116-   first chuck head 117-   extension rod pressurizer 117A-   first pipe 118-   first pipe first end 118A-   first pipe second end 118B-   snap ring 118C-   spring 118D-   bolt 119-   tube 119A-   lock nut 120-   first bushing 121-   first swage 121A-   second swage 121B-   third swage 121C-   fourth swage 121D-   plunger depressor 123-   finger member 124-   transverse member 125-   stem member 126-   spring 127-   seat 128-   seal 129-   sample container 130-   central bore 130A-   first internally threaded end 131-   second internally threaded end 132-   first externally threaded end valve 133-   second externally threaded end valve 133A-   first pressure gauge 150-   second pressure gauge 151

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1. illustrates the major components of the gas sampling apparatus.The gas sampling apparatus is given structure by its frame 1. The frameis composed of a rigid substance, usually metal, and exhibits alongitudinal planer segment 40. The frame is further composed of a firstplaner segment end 41 and a second planer segment end 42. A first panel43 emanates from the first planer segment end 41 and is oriented atright angles to the planer segment 40. The first panel 43 exhibits aplurality of apertures first panel first aperture 44A, first panelsecond aperture 44B and first panel third aperture 44C. A second panel45 emanates from the second planer segment end 42 again at right anglesto the planer segment 40. The second panel 45 also exhibits a pluralityof apertures, second panel first aperture 46A, second panel secondaperture 46B and second panel third aperture 46C, in this case three innumber, that correspond to and are opposite the apertures 44A, 44B and44C, exhibited by first panel 43. Mounted to first panel 43 and throughthe outermost apertures 44A and 44C of first panel 43 are first fixedchuck 4 and second fixed chuck 13. Mounted to second panel 45 and withinthe outermost apertures 46A and 46C are first spring-loaded chuck 6 andsecond spring loaded chuck 11.

First spring-loaded chuck 6 and second spring-loaded chuck 11 as well asfirst fixed chuck 4 and second fixed chuck 13 their associated flexibleconnectors and the frame provide the mounting apparatus for first samplecontainer 5 and the substantially similar, second sample container 12.Turning for a moment to FIG. 8, it is seen that the first samplecontainer 5 is composed of a first annular chamber 72 exhibiting a firstannular chamber end 74 and a second annular chamber end 73. FIG. 9 showsthat first annular chamber end 74 exhibits first swaged edge 106 withfirst opposite notch 107A and second opposite notch 107B. Turning toFIG. 16, an alternative means of swaging the edge is seen. Here the edgeis swaged in a plurality of small increments or dimples, first swage121A, second swage 121B, third swage 121C and fourth swage 121D, aroundthe edge's diameter. This can facilitate the insertion of other forms ofend cap valves. Turning now to FIG. 8, the first swaged edge 106 offirst sample container 5 is shown disposed within the first end capcentral bore 75A of first end cap 75.

Disposed through both first annular chamber end central aperture 109Aand first end cap central aperture 109 is first self-sealing valve 76.The end caps and nuts fixing the end caps to the self-sealing valvesconstitute the self-sealing valve.

Turning now to FIG. 15, the first end cap valve body 77 is illustratedwhich is one of the components of the first end cap valve assembly 76.It is composed of a transverse base 78 and annular section 79. Annularsection 79 exhibits first annular section end 80 and second externallythreaded annular section end 81, which is attached to the transversebase 78. Valve body central bore 110 extends through both transversebase 78 and the annular section 79. The first annular section end 80exhibits both external threads 80B and internal threads 80A within thevalve body central bore 110. The valve body central bore 110 exhibits aconical narrowing that comprises the central bore valve seat section 82.It is here that a first plunger-activated valve 86 as seen in FIG. 12,is seated. Turning now to FIG. 12, plunger activated valve 86 is shown.First plunger activated valve 86 is composed of a valve body 86A havinga central cavity 90. Externally threaded first plunger valve body end 91has a central bore 92 and a plurality of apertures, first valve bodyaperture 93A and second valve body aperture 93B that communicate withthe central cavity 90. The second plunger valve body end 94 alsoexhibits a corresponding central bore 95 with an annular space 102 alsocommunicating with the central cavity 90. The exterior of the valve body86 exhibits a conical plunger valve body segment 105. A plunger valvebody gasket 114 is seated around the conical plunger valve body segment105 and substantially corresponds to the shape of the central bore valveseat section 82 shown in FIG. 15. Within the central cavity 90, firstplunger rod support 96 has a central bore 97 and a plurality of plungerrod support apertures, first plunger rod support aperture 98A and secondplunger rod support aperture 98B. The first plunger rod support is fixedto the interior walls of the central cavity 90. A second plunger rodsupport 99 also has a central bore 100 and a plurality of aperturessecond plunger rod support first aperture 10A and second plunger rodsupport second aperture 101B. The second plunger rod support 99 is alsofixed to the interior walls of the central cavity 90. Thus the centralbores of the second plunger valve body end 94, the second plunger rodsupport 99, the first plunger rod support 96 and the first plunger valvebody end 91 all correspond such that plunger 87 can be disposed throughall. Plunger 87 has a first plunger end 103 disposed outside centralcavity 90 and above valve body 86A. First plunger end 103 also exhibitsa cap 103A that acts as a stop and prevents first plunger end 103 fromfully entering valve body 86A. A second plunger end 104 is also disposedoutside the central cavity 90 and below valve body 86. Second plungerend 104 exhibits cap 104A which prevents the second plunger end 104 fromfully entering valve body 86A and also provides an air tight sealagainst plunger gasket 88. Plunger 87 also exhibits spring stop 115fixed to plunger 87 between first plunger rod support 96 and secondplunger rod support 99 but at a point on plunger 87 where the springstop 115 communicates with the interior surface 96A of the first plungerrod support 96 when in a resting position. The resting position ismaintained by spring 89 disposed over the plunger rod and communicatingwith spring stop 115 and the second plunger rod support 99. Fixed to thesecond plunger end 94 in such a manner as to preclude leakage around theplunger 87 is plunger gasket 88. Plunger gasket 88 seals the centralbore 95 and annular space 102 of second plunger valve body end 94 bybeing held against the second plunger valve body end 94 by the pressureexerted by spring 89 on spring stop 115.

Now returning to FIG. 15, it can be seen that when second plunger valvebody end 94 of plunger activated valve 86 is inserted into first annularsection end 80 of first end cap valve body 77, externally threaded firstplunger valve body end 91 may be disposed and threadedly mounted withinthe internal threads 80A of first annular section end 80. Disposition ofplunger activated valve 86 is to such a depth as to press plunger valvebody gasket 114 (FIG. 12) firmly against central bore valve seat section82 creating a seal.

Turning again to FIG. 8, it is seen that an annular rubber ring 111 isdisposed over the annular section 79 and seats on the transverse base78. Washer 112 is likewise disposed over the annular section 79 andseats on the annular rubber ring 111. Nut 113 is then threaded down overthe second externally threaded annular section end 81 seen in FIG. 15.Insertion of the components of the first end cap valve stem assembly isfacilitated by first opposite notch 107A and second opposite notch 107Bshown in FIG. 9. Once the first self sealing valve 76 is within thefirst annular chamber 72, nut 113 is tightened thereby applying pressureto washer 112 which in turn applies pressure to and expands the annularrubber ring 111 such that full diameter contact with the walls of thefirst annular chamber 72 and a tight seal is achieved. The first end cap75 is then disposed over the first annular chamber end 74. Cap retainingnut 113A is then disposed over annular section 79 and then threaded oversecond annular section end 81 until the nut communicates with the endcap exterior 108. The first self sealing valve 76 is then drawn towardthe first swaged edge 106 which now retains the end cap valve assemblywithin first annular chamber 72 and holds the end cap in place. Thesecond end cap 83 and second self sealing valve 76A are similarlymounted within the second annular chamber end 73.

Now turning to FIG. 6, first fixed chuck 4 is illustrated. First fixedchuck 4 is composed of an annular body 61 with externally threaded end63 and internally threaded end 62. A central bore exists between them. Afirst central bore section 64 is seen followed by larger diameter secondcentral bore section 64A. The differences in diameters produce seat 66.Upon seat 66 rests plunger depressor 67. Plunger depressor 67 has twocomponents, a first finger member 68 and a first transverse member 69.The first transverse member 69 is that portion of the plunger depressor67 which communicates with the seat 66. A first flexible washer 71 isdisposed over the first finger member 68, first finger member disposedwithin first flexible washer central bore 71A, such that first flexiblewasher 71 rests on externally threaded end 63. However, as show in FIG.7, the first transverse member is not a disk but is rectangular in shapesuch that only a portion of first flexible washer 71 is in contact withfirst transverse member 69 thus allowing fluid or gas to flow throughfirst flexible washer 71, past first transverse member 69 into airpassage aperture 70 and then into first central bore section 64 andbeyond. FIG. 6 shows a first plunger depressor retaining cap 116 whichis disposed over the externally threaded end 63. It holds first flexiblewasher 71 in position and thereby retains plunger depressor 67. Firstplunger depressor retaining cap 116 exhibits a central bore 65 intowhich a first endcap valve assembly 76 or second endcap valve assembly76A can be inserted. The second fixed chuck 13 is configuredsubstantially similar to the first fixed chuck 4.

Configured similarly to the fixed chucks 4 and 13 is the first chuckhead 117 of the first spring loaded chuck 6 and second spring loadedchuck 11 as shown in FIG. 10. Disposed within the internally threadedend of first chuck head 117 is first pipe 118 having first pipe firstend 118A and first pipe second end 118B. First pipe 118 then extendsthrough first bushing 121 with first pipe second end 118B threadedlyattached to a first flexible connector fitting 7A of such a diameter asto prevent pipe 118 from being returned through bushing 121. Bushing 121is fixed within an outer second panel aperture 46C of second panel 45 bysnap ring 118C. Spring 118D is disposed over pipe 118 and rests betweenchuck head 117 and bushing 121. When chuck head 117 is depressed bysample container 5, pipe 118 slides downward through bushing 121. Aschuck head 117 is depressed, the tension in spring 118D is increasedallowing chuck head 117 to return upward after pressure is released.Second spring loaded chuck 11 is configured in a substantially similarfashion being mounted in the second panel first aperture 46A of panel45.

It can be seen in FIG. 1 that to insert a sample container, for example,sample container 5, the second self sealing valve 76A is disposed withinthe mouth of spring loaded chuck 6. Downward pressure is then appliedwhereupon first spring loaded chuck 6 is pressed down and through springloaded chuck first bushing 121. Spring loaded chuck 6 is able to bedepressed a sufficient distance to allow the upper end of samplecontainer 5 to be positioned under fixed chuck 4. Downward pressure onthe sample container is then released allowing the first self sealingvalve 76 of sample container 5 to seat within fixed chuck 4. A similarprocedure is utilized to mount the second sample container 12 betweenthe second spring loaded chuck 11 and second fixed chuck 13.

At this point, it should be noted that the insertion of the end capvalve assemblies into spring loaded chuck 6 and fixed chuck 4 causes theends of the end cap valve assemblies to be pressed into and to bepressed against the flexible washers such as the first flexible washer71 as illustrated in FIG. 10. This produces a seal. A finger member suchas first finger member 68 of plunger depressor 67 will come in contactwith a plunger such as plunger 87 of plunger activated valve 86, (Seenin FIG. 12) causing the sample container, such as sample container 5 toopen. This happens on both ends of the sample container allowing gas orfluid to pass through when the sample container is seated in the fixedand spring loaded chucks.

Returning to FIG. 1, first three-way valve 2 is mounted to panel 43between first fixed 2 chuck 4 and second fixed chuck 13. First fixedchuck 4 is connected to the first valve left 3 outlet 48. The secondfixed chuck 13 is connected to the first valve right outlet 49. Mountedso as to read pressure from the first valve inlet 47 is pressure gauge150. A similar configuration is seen with the second three-way valve 8,which is similarly attached to second panel 45. The first spring loadedchuck 6 is connected to the second valve left inlet 55. Second springloaded chuck 11 is further connected to second valve right inlet 56.Mounted to communicate and to read pressure from second valve outlet 54is second pressure gauge 151. Since first spring loaded chuck first pipe118 may be pressed through first spring loaded chuck first bushing 121,the first spring loaded chuck 6 is connected to second valve left inlet55 by means of first flexible connector 7. Similarly, second springloaded chuck 11 is connected to second valve right inlet 56 by means ofsecond flexible connector 10. Valve control rod 9 extends through thesecond panel aperture 46B in second panel 45 and first panel aperture44B in first panel 43. Thus control rod 9 communicates simultaneouslywith first three-way valve 2 and second three-way valve 8. Controlhandle 9C communicates with control rod 9 facilitating its rotation. Thefirst three way valve, second three way valve, control rod and controlhandle comprise the flow director.

Now turning to FIG. 2, we first see that control handle 9C is orientedtoward first sample container 5. Control rod 9 exhibits first controlrod end 9A and second control rod end 9B. First control handle end 9A isattached to and operates a first valve flow director 50 which is mountedinternally in first three-way valve 2. The first valve flow director 50exhibits a passage 51 with a first passage end 52 and a second passageend 53. When the control handle 9A is oriented toward sample container5, first passage end 52 aligns with first valve inlet 47.Simultaneously, the second passage end 53 aligns with first valve leftoutlet 48. It can then be seen that gas may flow into the first valveinlet 47 through first valve flow directing means passage 51, out firstvalve left outlet 48, through second flexible connector 7C, then throughfirst fixed chuck 4 into sample container 5. Control rod second end 9Bis similarly connected to second valve flow directing means 57. Thesecond valve flow directing means exhibits conduit 58 which provides thesame function as passage 51 in first valve flow directing means 50.Conduit 58 exhibits a first conduit end 59 and second conduit end 60.Control rod 9 is attached to both the first valve flow directing means50 and second valve flow directing means 57 such that when the firstvalve flow directing means 50 is oriented as described above, the secondvalve flow directing means 57 is oriented in such a way that firstconduit end 59 communicates with second valve inlet 55 and secondconduit end 60 communicates with second valve outlet 54. It can be seenthat any gas or fluid in sample container 5 may then flow through secondspring loaded chuck 6 through first flexible connector 7 into secondvalve left inlet 55 through the second valve flow director conduit 58and finally out second valve outlet 54. In this configuration, no gaswill flow through first valve right outlet 49, through second samplecontainer 12 or second valve right inlet 56. Now turning to FIG. 3, itcan be seen that when control handle 9C is directed toward second samplecontainer 12, the first valve flow directing means 50 is oriented suchthat first passage end 52 communicates with first valve inlet 47 andsecond passage end 53 is now oriented with first valve right outlet 49.Now it can be seen that gas may flow in first valve inlet 47 throughfirst valve flow directing means passage 51 into the first valve rightoutlet 49 through fixed chuck 13 and into second sample container 12.

Again, when control handle 9C is oriented towards second samplecontainer 12, the second valve flow directing means 57 has its conduit58 oriented in such a way that first conduit end 59 communicates withsecond valve inlet 56 and second conduit end 60 communicates with secondvalve right outlet 54. Now it can be seen that fluid or gas in samplecontainer 12 may flow through spring loaded chuck 11 then through secondflexible connector 7B into second valve inlet 56 through conduit 58 andinto second valve outlet 54.

A method of acquiring samples would be to allow gas to flow throughsample container 5 and then after having mounted sample container 12,orienting the control handle so that gas now flows through samplecontainer 12 and gas flow is terminated through sample container 5. Inthis way, sample container 5 may be removed from the system and an emptysample container mounted. When sufficient sample has been gatheredwithin sample container 12, the control handle 9C would then again bemoved toward the fresh sample container thus occluding gas flow throughsample container 12 whereupon it may be removed from the system. Byalternating the removal of full sample containers and the replacementwith empty containers, continuous or periodic samples in a line of gasor fluid flow may be obtained.

Once the sample container is removed from the gas sampling apparatus thefluid or gas sample must be removed from the container. FIG. 4illustrates the sample extraction assembly 14. It is composed of acoupler 15. Coupler 15 exhibits a coupler body 15A. The coupler body hasa central longitudinal bore 15B which allows for fluid flow. The coupleralso has an externally threaded first body end 16 and an internallythreaded second body end 17. The central longitudinal bore 15 B isdivided into segments of varying diameters. The narrowest diameter isthe small diameter segment 19. Immediately below, is the first largerdiameter segment 20. The differences in diameter allow the formation offirst lip 21. Again below, toward the internally threaded second bodyend 17 is the first largest diameter segment 22. The differences indiameter again allow the formation of another lip, second lip 23. Uponsecond lip 23 rests a second seal 29 usually in the form of a rubbero-ring. This allows the internally threaded second body end 17 to bedisposed over the externally threaded end of a first annular section end80 of an end cap valve assembly such as first self sealing valve 76 thuscreating a seal for gas or fluid. Returning to the description of thecentral longitudinal bore 15B, we now have a second larger diametersegment 24 above, toward the externally threaded first body end 16. Thedifference in diameter between the small diameter segment 19 and asecond larger diameter segment 24 creates a third lip 25. Disposedwithin the second larger diameter segment 24 and resting on the thirdlip 25 is first seal 28, again seen usually in the form of a rubbero-ring. Annular bushing 26 exhibiting a central bore 26A communicateswith the walls of the second larger diameter segment 24 and iscoterminous with the externally threaded first body end 16. Aninternally threaded bushing retaining cap 27 having a central bore, isdisposed over the externally threaded first body end 16. The samplerelease device 30 exhibits stem 31 which is partially disposed withinthe central bore 18 of bushing retaining cap 27, the central bore of theannular bushing 26 and the small diameter segment 19 and may slidewithin. First seal 28 communicates with stem 31 thereby preventing thepassage of fluid or gas around the stem. Stem 31 has a first stem end 32and an internally threaded second stem end 33. Mounted within theinternally threaded second stem end 33 is externally threaded stemretaining screw 37 having a threaded portion 38 and a cap portion 39.The cap portion 39 is of a larger diameter than stem 31 and thereby isable to rest on first lip 21. The stem retaining screw 37 thus securesstem 31 within body 15A. The stem retaining screw 37 also exhibits acentral bore that communicates with the central bore of stem 31. Firststem end 32 is attached to externally threaded septum seat 35. Septum 34rests on said septum seat 35 and is composed of a penetrable materialsuch as rubber. Septum 34 is held in place by internally threaded septumretaining cap 36. A spring 35A is located between the septum seat 35 andinternally threaded bushing retaining cap 27 which is disposed overexternally threaded first body end 16.

After the sample extraction assembly 14 is threadedly attached to an endcap valve assembly, such as first self sealing valve 76, a needle suchas a hypodermic needle, is inserted through the central conical aperture36A of the septum retaining cap 36. Depressing the sample release device30 compresses spring 35A. In turn, stem 31 and stem retaining screw 37are depressed such that stem retaining screw makes contact with plunger87 shown in FIG. 12 thereby opening the sample container, such as samplecontainer 5. When this is accomplished the sample may be extracted fromthe container.

Prior to removing a sample from the sample container, it may benecessary to pressurize the sample. This may be accomplished by removingthe cap retaining nut such as cap retaining nut 113A and then threadedlymounting extension rod pressurizer 117A as seen in FIG. 14, to an endcap valve assembly such as first self sealing valve 76. By using theextension rod pressurizer 117A to press first self sealing valve 76further into the sample container, increased pressure of the sample maybe obtained. Extension rod pressurizer 117A is composed of an internallythreaded tube 119A which is disposed over the externally threaded end ofthe first self sealing valve 76. Bolt 119 is threaded into internallythreaded tube 119A and held by lock nut 120. The length of the extensionrod pressurizer may be adjusted by loosening the lock nut 120 andthreading bolt 119 further into or out of threaded tube 119A. Anotherform of sample container is illustrated in FIG. 13. Sample container 130has a first internally threaded end 131 and a second internally threadedend 132. An first externally threaded end valve 133 with the sameinternal mechanism of first self sealing valve 76 may then be insertedinto first internally threaded end 131 and a second externally threadedend valve 133A may be inserted into a second internally threaded end 132thus creating a sample container.

An alternative mode of configuration for the fixed chuck and chuck headsof the spring loaded chuck is seen in FIG. 5. Here, the plungerdepressor 123 in addition to a finger member 124 and a transverse member125, has a stem member 126. Spring 127 rests between seat 128 andtransverse member 125. The tension in spring 127 creates a seal betweentransverse member 125 and seal 129. This configuration allows any fluidor gas trapped in central bore 130 to remain captured. This isespecially important when noxious gas for fluid is being sampled withthis system.

1. A gas sample extraction assembly whereby said gas sample is extractedfrom said sample containers, said sample extraction assembly having acoupler body, a first body end, a second body end, said first body endbeing fluidly connected to said self-sealing valves, a centrallongitudinal bore through which a stem is disposed, said stem itselfhaving a central bore, a first stem end and a second stem end, a sealingseptum in contact with said first stem end and said central bore wherebywhen said extraction assembly is connected to said self-sealing valve,and when said stem is depressed thereby opening said self-sealing valve,said gas sample may be obtained through said septum.
 2. A extension rodpressurizer having an internally threaded tube, a bolt threadedlydisposed within said tube whereby said bolt may be threadedly retractedincreasing said extension rod pressurizer length, whereby when connectedto said self-sealing valve and said self-sealing valve retainer isremoved said self-sealing valve may be advanced within said samplecontainer thereby pressuring said gas sample.
 3. The gas sampleextraction system of claim 1 further comprising: a first flow director,a second flow director, a plurality of flexible connectors fluidlyconnecting said fixed chucks to said first flow director, a plurality offlexible connectors fluidly connecting said opposing spring loadedchucks to said second flow director.
 4. The first flow director of claim3 further comprising: a first valve mounted to said first panel, saidfirst valve having an first valve inlet, a first valve left outlet, anda first valve right outlet, said first valve inlet fluidly connected tosaid gas source, said first valve left outlet fluidly connected to saidsecond flexible connector, said second flexible connector fluidlyconnected to said first fixed chuck, said first fixed chuck fluidlyconnected to said first sample container first end, said first valveright outlet fluidly connected to said third flexible connector, saidthird flexible connector fluidly connected to said second fixed chuck,said second fixed chuck fluidly connected to said second samplecontainer first end,
 5. The second flow director of claim 3 furthercomprising: a second valve mounted to said second panel, said secondvalve having a second valve outlet, a second valve left inlet and asecond valve right inlet, said second valve left inlet fluidly connectedto said first flexible connector, said first flexible connector fluidlyconnected to said first opposing spring loaded chuck, said firstopposing spring loaded chuck fluidly connected to said first samplecontainer second end, said second valve right inlet fluidly connected tosaid fourth flexible connector, said fourth flexible connector fluidlyconnected to said second opposing spring loaded chuck, said secondopposing spring loaded chuck fluidly connected to said second samplecontainer second end.
 6. The flow directors of claim 1 furthercomprising: a control rod having a first control rod end and a secondcontrol rod end, said first control rod end rotatably mounted to saidfirst valve, said second control rod end rotatably mounted to saidsecond valve, a control rod handle mounted therebetween, whereby whensaid control rod handle is directed toward said first sample container,a gas sample is directed from said first valve, through said firstsample container into said second valve, into second valve outletwhereby a discrete gas sample is disposed and contained in said firstsample container, whereby when said control rod handle is directedtoward said second sample container gas flow is terminated within saidfirst sample container and a gas sample is directed from said firstvalve, through said second sample container into said second valve, intosecond outlet whereby a discrete gas sample is disposed and contained insaid second sample container.
 7. A gas sampling apparatus comprising:sample containers which are two in number further comprising a firstsample container and a second sample container into which gas samplesare sequentially disposed, a mounting apparatus into which said samplecontainers are demountably disposed and fluidly connected, said samplecontainers further comprising a first sample container end having afirst edge area wherein said edge area is partially curved inward aroundthe circumference of said first sample container end, said first edgearea having first opposing notches, a second sample container end havinga second edge area wherein said edge area is partially curved inwardaround the circumference of said second sample container end, saidsecond edge area having second opposing notches, a first self-sealingvalve demountably and fluidly connected to said first sample containerend, a first self-sealing valve retainer demountably connected to saidfirst self sealing valve and to said first sample container end wherebysaid first self sealing valve is fixed and prevented from advancingwithin said first sample container, a second self-sealing valvedemountably and fluidly connected to said second sample container end, asecond self-sealing valve retainer demountably connected to said secondself sealing valve and to said second sample container end whereby saidsecond self sealing valve is fixed and prevented from advancing withinsaid second sample container, said first self sealing valve, when saidfirst self sealing valve retainer is removed, being capable of beingadvanced within said sample container while maintaining its self sealingcharacteristic, whereby said gas samples may be compressed, said secondself sealing valve, when said second self sealing valve retainer isremoved, being capable of being advanced while maintaining its selfsealing characteristic within said sample container whereby said gassamples may be compressed, a first annular ring sealably connected tosaid first self sealing valve, whereby said first annular ring producesa seal against the walls of said first sample container, said firstannular ring and said first self sealing valve may be inserted throughsaid first opposing notches and retained within said first samplecontainer end, a second annular ring sealably connected to said secondself sealing valve, whereby said second annular ring produces a sealagainst the walls of said second sample container, said second annularring and said second self sealing valve may be inserted through saidsecond opposing notches and retained within said second sample containerend. a plurality of flow directors fluidly attached to said mountingapparatus, said plurality of flow director sequentially disposing gasinto said mounting apparatus and sample containers.
 8. The gas samplingapparatus of claim 7 wherein said first sample container end furthercomprising a plurality of edge areas wherein said edge area is partiallycurved inward.
 9. The gas sampling apparatus of claim 7 wherein saidsecond sample container end further comprising a plurality of edge areaswherein said edge area is partially curved inward.
 10. The gas samplingapparatus of claim 7 wherein said mounting apparatus further comprises aframe, a plurality of fixed chucks mounted to said frame, a plurality ofopposing spring loaded chucks mounted to said frame opposite saidplurality of fixed chucks, said opposing spring loaded chucks capable ofbeing compressed in length, allowing the distance between said opposingspring loaded chucks and said fixed chucks to be increased whereby saidsample containers may be inserted therebetween, said opposing springloaded chucks capable of being decompressed thereby retaining saidsample containers between said fixed chucks and said opposing springloaded chucks, whereby said sample containers are fluidly connected tosaid opposing spring loaded chucks and said fixed chucks.
 11. The gassampling apparatus of claim 10 wherein said fixed chucks are selfsealing.
 12. The gas sampling apparatus of claim 10 wherein saidopposing spring loaded chucks are self sealing.
 13. The gas samplingapparatus of claim 10 wherein said plurality of fixed chucks, furthercomprise: a first fixed chuck, a second fixed chuck.
 14. The gassampling apparatus of claim 10 wherein said plurality of opposing springloaded chucks, further comprising: a first opposing spring loaded chuck,a second opposing spring loaded chuck.
 15. The gas sampling apparatus ofclaim 11 wherein said plurality of flexible connectors furthercomprising: a first flexible connector fluidly connected to said firstfixed chuck, a second flexible connector fluidly connected to saidsecond fixed chuck, a third flexible connector fluidly connected to saidfirst opposing spring loaded chuck, a fourth flexible connector fluidlyconnected to said second opposing spring loaded chuck.
 16. The gassampling apparatus of claim 11 wherein said frame further comprise: alongitudinal planar segment having a first planar segment end and asecond planar segment end, a first panel attached to said first planarsegment end, a second panel attached to a said second planar segmentend, said first panel and said second panel attached at right angles tosaid longitudinal planar segment, said first and second panel having aplurality of opposing apertures.
 17. The gas sampling apparatus of claim1 wherein said first panel further comprises: a first panel firstaperture, a first panel second aperture, a first panel third aperture,said second fixed chuck fixedly mounted within said first panel firstaperture, said first fixed chuck fixedly mounted within said first panelthird aperture.
 18. The gas sampling apparatus of claim 17 wherein saidsecond panel further comprises: a second panel first aperture, a secondpanel second aperture, a second panel third aperture, said secondopposing spring loaded chuck fixedly mounted within said second panelfirst aperture, said first opposing spring loaded chuck fixedly mountedwithin said second panel third aperture.
 19. The gas sampling apparatusof claim 11 wherein said first flow director further comprises: a firstvalve mounted to said first panel, said first valve having an firstvalve inlet, a first valve left outlet, and a first valve right outlet,said first valve inlet fluidly connected to said gas source, said firstvalve left outlet fluidly connected to said second flexible connector,said second flexible connector fluidly connected to said first fixedchuck, said first fixed chuck fluidly connected to said first samplecontainer first end, said first valve right outlet fluidly connected tosaid third flexible connector, said third flexible connector fluidlyconnected to said second fixed chuck, said second fixed chuck fluidlyconnected to said second sample container first end,